Alfred Edward Chalon R.A. (1780-1860) - Pair of Portraits of Lady and Gentleman

Chalon throughout his career was known as an impressive portraitist and depicted various people from the London noble classes including famously Queen Victoria. His version of Her Majesty was then used on all early stamps throughout the Commonwealth. Together with his brother John James, they set up the Sketching Society with their friend Francis Stevens. This group lasted from 1808-1851 and was a continuation of the earlier club started by Girtin and then Cotman. 
 
These late works by Chalon clearly depict a married couple of high status in Victorian England. They are signed with Chalon's monagram that he rarely used except for important works. The gentleman has an interesting ring on his left hand and may be a signet ring. The couple bear a resembence to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and would fit their age range for 1849. Further research could help in identifying the sitters.
 
Medium: watercolours heightened with white bodycolour, both signed and dated 1849, each 31 x 22 cm, framed. The portrait of the gentleman is inscribed 'SPECCI' verso.